Careers by Major - Forensic Science

This program is offered through the Forensic Science Department

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
1a. Sample Occupations
1b. Sample Job Listings
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
4a. On-Campus
4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs

Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and experience.

Criminologist
Coroner
Forensics Scientist
Home Economist
Scientist
Food Scientist
Operations Research Analyst
Detective
Forensics Engineer
Administrative Assistant
Accountant
Archaeologist
Artist/sculptor (including
facial reconstruction)
Aviation Accident Investigator
Ballistics Analyst (ammunition
performance and wound interpretation)
Chemist
Computer-related Crime Investigator

Computer Network Specialist
Forensic Consultant
Crime Scene Investigator
Medico-Legal Investigator
Educator (potentially all forensic areas)
Image Enhancement Specialist
Marine Biologist
Nurse Examiner
Photographer
Polygraph Examiner
Radiologist
Researcher
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Social Worker
Technical Writer
Speech Scientist (voice identification, enhancement
of recordings, validation and authentication of transcripts
and/or recordings)
Forensic Accountant
Nurse

1b. Sample Job Listings

Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on UofT's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs.

Forensic Technologist, Toxicology, Day Communications
Forensic Accountant, KPMG
Forensic Psychologist, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Consultant, Forensics, MNP LLP
Data Entry Clerk, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Laboratory Assistant, Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, UTM
Protective Services Officer, CN Tower
Summer Student, Compliance, Toronto-Dominion Bank
Forensic Chemistry Student Technologist, Centre of Forensic Sciences
Transmissions Electron Microscopy Technician, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, UofT
Junior Lab Technician, University Health Network
Recycling Coordinator, Department of Facilities Management and Planning, UTM
Patent Assistant, Craig Wilson and Company Inc.
Forensic Collision Reconstruction, MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists
Loss Prevention Investigator, Delta Security and Safety Services

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

Federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government
Forensic laboratories
Medical examiners offices
Hospitals
Universities
Toxicology Laboratories
Police departments
Medical examiner/coroner offices
Independent forensic science consultants
Insurance companies

2. Program-Related Skills

Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

Technical: make and record accurate measurements; make observations, draw diagrams and take photographs; investigate crime scenes; and use statistical tests.
Communication: report writing; verbal testimony; understanding of cultural diversity; translate scientific evidence; and analyze and present data.
Organizational: casework; teamwork; and understanding legal issues related to evidence.
Problem-solving: identify alternative solutions; and interpret lab findings.
Research: draw conclusions based on the evidence obtained and communicate results of investigative work through proper channels based on the conclusions drawn.

3. Explore Careers & Build Networks

Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests, and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website. Some organizations you may consider are:

Forensics Society
Sociology & Criminology Society
Erindale Biology Society
Psychology Association of Undergrad Students at Erindale

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions, and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings, and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

4. Get Experience

Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Part-Time and Volunteer Positions

Attend the annual Get Experience Fair
Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website.

4b. Off-Campus

Internships, Summer, Part-Time and Volunteer Positions

Check out our binders with detailed information on internships and volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Login to Career Learning Network (CLN) and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to UofT students
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Consider taking an academic internship course through your department
Check out Government of Ontario - Job Programs for Youth
Review our Internships, Summer Employment Programs, and Summer Job Search tip sheets

Full-Time Positions

Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the 'hidden job market' with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides and more.

Appointments

Attend a one-on-one appointment with a career counsellor or an employment strategist to discuss what career options might work for you and determine a job search plan.
Meet with an academic or departmental advisor, who can guide you in achieving academic success. Contact the Office of the Registrar or your department for more information.

Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources

Updated August 2023